Some of the world’s top athletes descended on Pittencrieff Park in Dunfermline at the weekend to take part in the 40th World Highland Games.
Travelling from as far afield as Canada, South Africa and the US, male and female competitors performed in a wide range of disciplines including shot-putt, heavy hammer and caber-tossing.
Supported by Carnegie Dunfermline Trust, Fife Council, Homecoming Scotland and Dunfermline First, the two-day event also included Highland Dancing displays, pipe bands and a mini Highland Games for young people to take part in, as well as more unusual elements such as haggis-hurling.
Organised by Glasgow-based firm Highland Games Consultancy, in partnership with the council and Carnegie Dunfermline Trust, it was brought to Fife for the first time as part of the council’s £1 million fund to lure major events and improvements to the city.
Fife councillor Helen Law, chairman of the City of Dunfermline Area Committee, opened the event and was delighted to see it take place in Pittencrieff Park.
She said: “There has been a wonderful programme of events taking place in Dunfermline throughout 2014 including the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Competition, the Bruce Festival and the Fresh Air Festival, and I was honoured to be asked to open this World Highland Games which took place here for the very first time.
“Pittencrieff Park is a magnificent venue and it was gratifying to see people come and enjoy such a world-class event in the ancient capital of Scotland.”
Photo by David Wardle